Trout seek the coolest, most oxygenated water during summer in order to survive. Find those places, and you’ll find fish. (Photo by Brian Judge)
September 05, 2024
By Kade Gewanter
For many anglers, summer signifies a pause in trout fishing action. However, the purists know there is still plenty of good fishing to be had, you just need to focus on finding the coldest water possible. In the Northeast, we are blessed with bodies of water that support great trout fishing all year long. Swift-flowing tailwaters and deep lakes and ponds are all accessible in relative abundance.
Before embarking on a summer trout mission, it’s important to understand a few basics of trout biology. As we know, trout species flourish in cold, well-oxygenated water, with most active feeding occurring between 40 and 60 degrees. When hot weather hits, oxygen begins to disperse, making it difficult for trout to breathe. To survive, they head to the coldest water they can find and feed minimally to conserve energy. If cool water cannot be found, it is likely they will perish. This means that productive areas in the spring and fall will probably not make for good fishing in summer.
RIGGING UP Keep things simple when gearing up for summer trout fishing. For reels, I like the Pflueger Supreme in the 25- to 30-size class. To match it, a medium-light rod, like the Lew’s Custom Lite Series , has both the action and backbone needed for a variety of presentations. I always prefer to maximize the stealth factor by spooling up with a fluorocarbon main line in the 4- to 6-pound range. If fishing around lots of wood and jagged rock, I opt for a light braided line and a long fluorocarbon leader for improved abrasion resistance.
Inline spinners, jerkbaits, spoons and jigs comprise an effective arsenal for trout anglers who prefer spinning gear. (Photo by Kade Gewanter) In terms of baits, stick to the basics like Thomas Buoyant spoons , Panther Martin spinners in a variety and colors and sizes and both dressed and non-dressed Mepps Aglia spinners . For the natural-bait crowd, nightcrawlers, crayfish and hellgrammites drifted with minimal weight or fished on the bottom in deep holes can be tough to beat.
Advertisement
Summer can also be a great time to choose larger presentations than what are normally prescribed for trout. Young-of-the-year forage has had plenty of time to mature, meaning trout are going to be keyed in on slightly larger offerings than they are in the springtime. For large wild fish and sly holdovers that have been in the system for a few seasons, a steady diet of insects and aquatic invertebrates is heavily supplemented with baitfish species such as suckers, fallfish and river chubs. When specifically targeting big fish, my top picks are Rapala X-Rap and Husky Jerk jerkbaits. At times, finesse swimbaits like the Keitech Easy Shiner in the 3-inch size can also be very productive. When it comes to colors, natural patterns representing native baitfish should all be considered. At times, loud, vibrant patterns like fire tiger, clown and bright red can also be the ticket to fooling heavily pressured fish.
In the summer, many trout will become increasingly active once the sun sets. Look for classic fish-holding structure such as points, current breaks and wood cover as trout will push into very shallow areas to feed under the cover of darkness. For fly anglers, the time is now to try your luck with a variety of rodent and popper patterns.
FISH SAFETY There is no doubt that summer is when trout are most vulnerable. Even if cold water is located, fish still feel the stress of surviving in less-than-ideal temperatures. While I rarely carry a thermometer, I do look for signs that water is simply too warm (about 70 degrees) to target trout. In rivers and streams, bottom-coating algae is a signal that temperatures have climbed too high. I also will try to fish in the cooler parts of the day, or after a rain if the water doesn’t become too dirty. The energy a fish exerts during a fight will only add more stress. Therefore, it’s important to take along a landing net and make the release as efficient as possible.
Advertisement
SUMMER TROUT HOT SPOTS IN THE EAST SUMMER TROUT HOT SPOTS IN THE EAST BOTTOM-RELEASE TAILWATERS The Northeast is home to numerous hydroelectric dams that help provide power to the large population centers throughout the region. While dams can pose problems for some gamefish species, they give trout anglers a great place to focus summer efforts. When water is released, it’s often drawn from the bottom of reservoirs, sending a wave of cold, well-oxygenated water downstream, kicking trout into a feeding frenzy.
Deerfield River, Monroe, Mass. The upper Deerfield River has earned a reputation for two things: splendid scenery and big, wild brown trout. While great fishing occurs throughout the river, anglers should prioritize the areas between the Fife Brook Dam and the Hoosac Tunnel. Note that this section is strictly catch-and-release and anglers are limited to artificial presentations only.
Westfield River, Huntington, Mass. Situated in the rugged terrain of western Massachusetts, the Westfield River and its three branches cover almost 80 miles before reaching the Connecticut River in Springfield. The tailwater below the Knightville Dam is home to wild populations of brown and brook trout along with ample stocked rainbows.
Farmington River, Colebrook, Conn. While the Nutmeg State might not leap to mind as a top trout destination, the Farmington River in northwestern Connecticut is one of the most productive flows in the eastern half of the United States. Stocked rainbows and brownies, as well as good numbers of wild brown trout, are readily available just a short drive from the large metro centers of the Northeast. Concentrate your efforts on the stretch below Hogback Reservoir.
West Canada Creek, Hinckley, N.Y. Mention New York trout fishing and most anglers will think of the downstate Catskill Region and storied rivers like the Beaverkill and the east and west branches of the Delaware. However, the central part of the state is home to a true powerhouse in West Canada Creek. The area below Hinckley Dam is booming with stocked brown trout in a variety of sizes. Don’t forget the bass gear. Smallmouths are available in abundance.
Upper Connecticut River, Pittsburg, N.H. The very upper end of the Connecticut River is a true mecca of Northeast trout fishing. Locals refer to the section between First Connecticut Lake and Lake Francis as the “Trophy Stretch” due to its tendency to produce some of the largest brown trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon the region has to offer. Large numbers of stocked rainbows and brook trout ensure consistent action for seasoned and beginner anglers alike.
Tulpehocken Creek, Reading, Pa. The dam below Blue Marsh Lake holds the key to creating the premier trout fishery in southeastern Pennsylvania. Productive populations of brown and rainbow trout are stocked in the fishery each season to provide anglers with year-round trout fishing opportunities. Plenty of deep pools, riffles and bends give trout the cover they need to grow to impressive sizes.
LARGE LAKES Even in the middle of extended heatwaves, large northern lakes with expansive basins have plenty of cold water to support trout. In addition to rainbows, brown trout and in some cases brook trout, many of the Northeast’s larger inland lakes have populations of lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon, which can be targeted throughout the summer by employing deep-water tactics including vertical jigging, downriggers and lead-core line.
Lake Champlain, N.Y. and Vt. Often referred to as the sixth great lake, Champlain is known for providing Northeast anglers four seasons of tremendous warm- and cold-water fishing. The section north of the Crown Point Bridge gives various trout species the cold water they need to flourish through even the warmest of summers. Lake trout, brown trout and even steelhead can be found feeding on large schools of smelt and alewife.
Quabbin Reservoir, Belchertown, Mass. Between 1930 and 1939, the Swift River and Beaver Brook were impounded to assist in creating Quabbin Reservoir, the main water supply for Boston. The engineers in charge likely did not expect that the reservoir would become a flourishing cold-water fishery. Easy access to deep water, along with numerous spring-fed tributaries, give Bay State anglers plenty of accessible summer trout fishing.
Lake Winnipesaukee, Meredith, N.H. Less than two hours North of Boston lies a fantastic summer trout destination. Lake Winnipesaukee’s endless amount of offshore structure is a true playground for lake trout fanatics. Many anglers leverage the capabilities of modern electronics and trolling motors to pick off active fish using vertical presentations, such as jigging with ultralight gear.
Moosehead Lake, Greenville, Maine Miles of undeveloped shoreline, frequent moose sightings and an extremely rural setting make Moosehead Lake a must-visit spot for anglers. In the summer months, the native brook trout that have helped make the lake famous slip into deeper water adjacent to rock structure to feed on plumes of smelt. For the small-water angler, hundreds of beaver ponds teeming with brook trout can be found throughout the area.
Mooselookmeguntic Lake, Oquossoc, Maine Mooselookmeguntic is an Abenaki word that translates to “moose feeding place.” Located in Maine’s western region, it’s a premier cold-water fishery for wild brook trout and Atlantic landlocked salmon, both throughout the main lake and in its tributaries. Limited warm-water fish are present, ensuring reliably healthy trout and salmon populations year after year.
Round Valley Reservoir, Lebanon, N.J. The Garden State is another sleeper location for trout fans. Round Valley Reservoir plunges to depths greater than 150 feet, giving the stocked brown and lake trout plenty of area to escape warm temps. Situated amid the gorgeous Cushetunk Mountains, the reservoir offers anglers and outdoor enthusiasts numerous recreational opportunities.
This article was featured in the August 2024 issue of Game & Fish magazine. Click to subscribe .
